I’ve heard that in their quest to be environmentally friendly, some people are foregoing the use of wood products — whether it is paper products, hardwood for flooring and furniture or many other uses. And certainly, that’s understandable; we see Save the Trees and Save the Planet bumper stickers and signs everywhere.

But I want to talk to you about the plight of poor broccoli. How come no one decries the terrible tragedy of this noble vegetable? And tell me, where have all the planet’s broccoli forests gone? Last time I saw a stand of broccoli growing wild was … wait, come to think of it, I’ve never seen broccoli growing wild.

Of course, this is all tongue in cheek. We have no need to worry about broccoli — the reason is simple: we can always plant more. Broccoli is a renewable resource that is managed by farmers all over the world. We plow, we sow, we reap in a never ending cycle that keeps broccoli on our tables and in our bellies.

The same applies to much of the supply of hardwoods used in this country for flooring. Most domestic growers manage their forests responsibly — I even heard that there are more trees in America today than there were 200 years ago (although I suspect that has something to do with the fact that 200 years ago wood was not only the primary building material but also our primary energy source).

Yes, there is still a lot of environmental abuse going on in the world with clear cutting of land, mismanaged forests, illegal and over-logging, especially of exotic species around the world. And it’s true that the real environmental issues happen in processing, manufacturing and shipping of wood-based products. And, of course, we should try to limit our environmental impact whenever possible. Still, for the most part, the wood and paper products we buy here in North America are safe, recyclable, renewable and sustainable.

So one crisis has been averted — broccoli isn’t going anywhere. Neither is wood as long as we make sure we’re buying from suppliers that manage their forests as a crop is managed — that is planted and replanted with an eye toward successive generations and production. The key is a sustainable approach that preserves the forests and keeps them productive.

Here at home, that is happening in a big way. North American domestic species are alive and well, are growing just fine and in generally well-run and sustainably managed forests. Many of the major manufacturers of flooring are keenly aware of that and, to their credit, many have pioneered the very measures and practices that make and keep our forests “green.” So whether its paper towels or hardwood floors, don’t worry, as long as we’re acting responsibly, we can always plant more. Trees as well as broccoli.